Bakersfield Dressage
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home

Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

We Did It!

4/19/2016

 
No matter what the scores say, I am so proud of Izzy. He was such a good boy at this weekend's schooling show. As the only adult ammie showing Intro A and B, we took home two lovely blue ribbons. I don't even care that we earned them with a 49.69% and a 52.50%. Izzy handled himself like a true rockstar.
Picture
He looks good in blue!
My friend Laurel came with me and served as Izzy's groom and all around protector. I owe her much more than the Starbuck's scone and horse show lunch that she got for coming with me. She kept me laughing the whole day. 

The craziness started with my carefully planned out day - the one where I only left myself 5 minutes for braiding. How we even made it there in time to show is a mystery to me
Picture
See what I did there?!
As I laid in bed on Saturday morning thinking about my day, I was going though the schedule in my mind. I kept hitting a mental glitch when I got to the braiding part. I finally got out of bed and looked at what I had written. When I saw my miscalculation - no one can braid in 5 minutes! - I jumped in gear and got out of the house by 7:00.

I picked up my pace a little and saved a few minutes on my braiding by doing thicker and fatter braids. Laurel arrived a bit early, so even after a few minutes spent persuading Izzy to get the heck on the trailer, we managed to pull out right on time.

As we laughed and chatted our way down the two lane country highway, I realized I was looking at some unfamiliar territory; I had missed the turn which would take us towards Woodlake. I pulled over to the shoulder while Laurel used her phone's GPS to figure out where we were. It was to be the joke of the day - how many times could we piss Siri off by turning on the wrong road. Apparently, Siri loves the phrase, MAKE A U-TURN!

The last straw was actually making it to Woodlake only to encounter a detour that took us around the entire town. By that point, Laurel and I were in complete hysterics. It took us two iphones, a ticked off Siri, a crappy set of Google directions, numerous u-turns, and a full extra hour of driving before we pulled into the beautiful Sequoia Hills Stables.

I can't say enough about the show management and the facility. Parking was easy, the show office was clearly marked, and we were greeted by friendly and helpful volunteers. In no time at all we were back on schedule. While Laurel groomed Izzy, I switched into my show clothes and then tacked Izzy up. Laurel grabbed my bag of stuff while I led Izzy to an over-sized round pen.

Using Chemaine's strategy, I quietly lunged Izzy with the draw reins until he started to stretch his back and relax. Laurel kept me company by chatting over the fence. With her easy going conversation, I focused on keeping myself relaxed and confident, and Izzy followed suit. By this time, Laurel noted that Izzy kept looking to the two of us for reassurance. Wherever Laurel went, Izzy was happy to follow. We had quickly become his herd.

I had the warm up to myself, thanks to clever planning on the show manager's part (she knew this was Izzy's first show so we were first to go after lunch). I walked Izzy for quite a while just letting him look around. We eventually picked up a baby trot and simply focused on staying relaxed.

As my ride time approached, Laurel encouraged Izzy to follow her as we made the walk over to the show ring. He kept his nose right between her shoulder blades.
There were clearly problems during the test, but Izzy tried so hard to stay focused on me. This was the first time he's been in a show ring with the judge's tent and potted flowers. There was also a spectator's tent. Even with the tension and giraffing of his neck, you can see moments where he's kind of figuring it out. I can definitely see his potential. 
Picture
K-X-M Change rein - 5.0 "short steps, above bit"
Picture
Circle left 20-meters, working trot rising - 5.0 "Improves a little second half but continues disobedient"
Picture
H-X-F Free walk - 4.5 "Steps too short, no stretch shown"
Picture
X Halt and salute - 6.0 "Quiet halt but high in poll"
This judge didn't pull any punches. The slew of 4s and 5s that she gave us were what I expected. Some of the 5s might have even been a stretch. Had this been a rated show, the 49.69% that we earned would probably have been our score - I don't think the judge "softballed" any of her scores, and I am okay with that. Once Izzy learns to relax, our scores will go up. I am tickled that he actually did each movement without a meltdown.

My honest to goodness goals for the day were a) get him to stand somewhat still while I tacked up, b) let me get on without a rodeo, and c) trot in the warm up. There was no d) - I didn't even think we'd make it into the show ring.

After the horrible rides we'd had earlier in the week, I had seriously considered not even going. Chemaine, my trainer, talked me down off the ledge reminding me that it was just a schooling show and that Izzy needs experience.

So while some critics might scoff at the work we did in the ring, I couldn't be happier. Even Laurel, who sees him every day, was blown away by how hard Izzy tried. She hadn't expected me to be able to ride him either.

The judge's Further Remarks were quite accurate and are our blue print going forward, "Much tension throughout with very short strides in both gaits. Often above bit." Well yes, that's all very true.

Look for test B tomorrow. It was actually a tiny bit better!
Jan link
4/19/2016 06:57:11 am

A while back I saw a video of a horse that comprised a lifetime of tests- from his very first show at Intro to his most recent Grand Prix. Just think of this as an exciting start! Bravo on riding him, and good boy to Izzy on the trying part! I saw the halt in the video and I was like, "All that prancing, and he's still willing to halt and stand quietly. Good boy!"

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/19/2016 07:02:41 am

I think I saw that same video montage. They all have to start somewhere don't they? Sure, I wish he had gone out there and nailed Intro A, but he didn't and that's okay. He did more than I was expecting - like halting. That was a pleasant surprise as well. I actually worried about that because I was pretty there wasn't going to be one. :0)

jenj
4/19/2016 07:17:27 am

I was thinking of that same video montage! You can see Izzy has soooo much potential here, but he's just a baby. It's great that he tried so hard and most importantly, YOU DID IT!!! Congrads!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:12:30 pm

Onward, right?! :0)

SarahO link
4/19/2016 07:54:34 am

Congrats! Good job on going out there and riding him even with your hesitations. Sounds like it was a pretty positive first show outing for Mr. Izzy.

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:13:07 pm

Very positive, which was all I cared about. :0)

Karen
4/19/2016 08:25:28 am

I actually love how quiet and tactful you remain, in spite of his tension and skittering. We have ALL been there! He is a lovely horse .... I see FEI potential there and I'm not kidding. They just have to work through their baby moments. And you know that! :)

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:16:42 pm

Wow! THAT much potential?!?! :0)

I do give myself credit for being tactful and quiet. Since I am not a great rider, I have to find some way to deal with equine shenangigans. Not making excuses or anything, but it is REALLY hard to look like a polished rider when your horse is vibrating. I think he could he even make Charlotte look bad. LOL!

Lauren link
4/19/2016 08:35:16 am

Everyone has to start somewhere and the important thing is getting out there and doing the job!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:17:30 pm

That's right - I beat everyone who didn't show up. :0)

Hannah link
4/19/2016 09:11:35 am

Well done and congratulations!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:18:04 pm

Thank you, Hannah!

Megan link
4/19/2016 10:16:02 am

That looks familiar! My first test with TC was really similar. I feel like with horses like this, Intro doesn't do a good job of keeping them occupied. So much walking and just trotting in straight lines and large circles. But then again if the tests were more complicated, they wouldn't be intro tests. He definitely shows a lot of potential though, and he's only going to get better!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:19:48 pm

Thanks, Megan. Yeah ... all of that walking is pretty bad and so are the long sides. I would love to enter at A immediately into a 10-meter circle, loop, or serpentine! :0)

Carly
4/19/2016 11:06:07 am

What a beautiful facility! He might have been tense, but you really can tell how hard he's trying to be good. No one had any unplanned exits from the arena, so that's always a win right there!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:25:06 pm

It was gorgeous!!!! I wish I would have snapped photos of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. Mt.Whitney (CA's tallest peak) was visible. :0)

ColbyJazzmus link
4/19/2016 11:14:26 am

I told you you could whip him into baby show horse shape! I'm so proud of how Izzy handled himself! This looks a lot like what I've been doing lately with Jazz, except with more snorting and head tossing and moving her hindquarters around when she doesn't feel like bending. Kudos to you for just getting out and doing it!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:26:30 pm

I was sooooo happy that we actually made it into the show ring. the rides he gave me during the week left me wondering if I was even going to be able to get on him. Maybe things are starting to click. :0)

Carol
4/19/2016 11:49:23 am

What a quiet, calm rider you are!! The last part of the test, with the walk on the diagonal, you can really see him start to relax even though he doesn't stretch his neck down. How great to get him out and about in a show environment. You both did really well!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 06:05:35 am

High praise - thank you. :0)

Karen Bro
4/19/2016 09:11:41 pm

Well done, all! To Izzy for trying so hard, you for going to the show, and Laurel for her chauffeur/valet/lady-in-waiting services. Izzy has a great presence and I can't wait to watch him improve.

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:27:10 pm

I hope you're a soothsayer! :0)

Teresa link
4/19/2016 09:37:40 pm

Just getting caught up after being away for a vacation. I think that you should be very proud of Izzy. I will be taking Carmen to shows and all I want is what you achieved- a test without a melt down. There's lots of time for high scores. Survival is where the action is!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 06:04:52 am

Exactly! For our next outing, my goals will be the same. Eventually, he'll learn that nothing bad is going to happen and the newness will wear off. The hardest part for me is that there is a 4 show series about an hour and a half away (CDS -rated), but everything else is more than a 2 hour drive. It's a lot harder to get experience that way. :0)

Val
4/20/2016 03:56:47 am

He so fancy. Maybe you should take him to a schooling show once a week until he is bored with it and then he will be able to relax. That was a perfect outing.

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 06:02:35 am

Thanks, Val, and believe me, if we had a schooling show within an hour, I would. There are two schooling show series in my area, but both of them are slightly more than 2 hours away. Even this show, the first time it's been held, was a two hour drive. Nearly five hours of driving every Saturday gets to be a lot of work. :0)

Emma link
4/20/2016 07:44:27 am

Aww good baby horse!! Sounds like you were very thoughtful in Doug everything possible to set him up for success. That will undoubtedly start paying dividends as he learns the game!!

Bakersfield Dressage link
4/20/2016 12:28:23 pm

That's the plan. I hope he read the manual. :0)


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I am a lifelong rider. 
    I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010.
    ​Welcome to my dressage journey.
    Picture
    Photo by Lori Ovanessian

    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
    Picture
    July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)

    About Izzy

    Izzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
    Picture
    March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)

    Picture
    Bakersfield Dressage approved!
    Picture
    My favorite breeches!
    Picture
    FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
    Picture
    I love her stuff!
    Picture
    Watercolor Artist and Friend

    National Rider Awards

    Picture
    USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
    Picture
    USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
    Picture
    USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
    Picture
    USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013

    State Rider Awards
    Picture
    CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018

    State Horse Awards
    Picture
    Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
    Picture
    Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018

    Working Towards:

    CDS Sapphire Rider Award
    Third Level: 63.514%
    Third Level: 62.105%
    Fourth Level:
    Fourth Level:

    2023 Show Season

    Show Rating
    (***) CDS/USDF/USEF 
    (*) CDS
    (s) Schooling
    (c) Clinic
    (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic
    2023 Show Schedule
    TBD

    ​2023 Completed …
    Pending

    2023 Qualifying Scores 

    Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC)  
    Qualifying Training Level
    3 Scores/2 Judges/60%:
    Score 1:
    Score 2:
    Score 3:

    Archives
    ​By Topic

    All
    Abscess
    Art
    Arthritis
    Awards
    Books
    Cabin
    California Barn Life
    Captain Awesome
    CDL Class A License
    Centerlinescores
    Championships
    Chiropractor
    Clinics
    Clothing
    Cushing's Disease
    Defeating The Demon
    DIY
    Dogs
    Double Bridle
    Dressage On The Trail
    EHV-1
    Endurance Photos
    Farrier
    Find Your Joy
    First Level
    Fluphenazine
    Flying Changes
    Fourth Level
    Fox Hunting
    Freedom Feeder
    Frustration
    Gizmos
    Grooming
    Half Pass
    Headshaking
    Horse Maintenance
    Horses Are Expensive
    Horses Are Expensive 3.0
    Horses Are Expensive II
    Hunter/jumper Stuff
    Imperioso
    Introductory Level
    Izzys Leg
    Just For Fun
    Lessons With Chemaine
    Lessons With Lois
    Lessons With STC Dressage
    Local Stuff
    M.A.R.E.
    Memberships
    Micklem Bridle
    Mt. Self Doubt
    Musings
    My 5 Things
    My Horses
    Nesting
    On The Levels
    Photos
    Pivo Pod
    Platinum Performance
    Poles
    Polls
    Pulley Rein
    Raac
    Retirement?
    Rider Fitness
    Riding Figures
    Right Lead Canter
    Road ID
    Saddle Fitting
    Schooling
    Score Sheets
    Second Level
    Shopping
    Show Costs
    Showing
    Sitting Trot
    Sliding Side Reins
    Soldier
    Speedy's Leg
    Tack
    The Elephants
    The Jar
    The Warm Up Ring
    Third
    Third Level
    Tips From A Pro
    Toys
    Trailering
    Training
    Travel
    Ulcers
    Vet Care
    Video
    Videos
    Weird But True
    Year In Review


    Archives
    ​By Date

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011


Site Designed and Managed by: Karen Sweaney

Among other things, Karen is a Wife, Friend, Reader, Writer, Rider, Traveler, and Dog Lover
Contact her at bakersfielddressage@gmail.com
  • Home
  • About
  • My Horses
    • Horses
    • Imperioso
    • G Ima Starr FA
    • Sunshine
    • Nakota and Gideon
    • Corky
    • Sassy
    • Montoya DSA
    • Mickey Dee
    • Sydney
  • Show Results
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
  • Dressage Organizations
    • Dressage Organizations
    • Memberships
    • 2019 Dressage Tests
  • Local
    • Shopping List
  • Home